DNA vaccines expressing retrovirus-like particles are efficient immunogens to induce neutralizing antibodies

Vaccine. 2009 Sep 25;27(42):5772-80. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.07.059. Epub 2009 Aug 3.

Abstract

We aimed at improving DNA vaccination efficiency for inducing neutralizing antibodies. We used plasmids encoding Gag of MLV and envelope proteins of VSV or WNV. Upon in vivo injection, they generate retrovirus-derived VLPs pseudotyped with these envelopes expressed in their wild-type conformation. We show that these plasmo-retroVLPs induce potent humoral responses, the efficacy of which could be improved by co-administration of DNA encoding adjuvant cytokines. Antibodies against VSV or WNV were detected earlier than with plasmids not generating VLPs, and had higher neutralizing activities. These results highlight the potential of this approach for vaccination strategies aiming at neutralizing antibody induction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology*
  • Cell Line
  • Female
  • Gene Products, env / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Inbred DBA
  • Neutralization Tests
  • Retroviridae / immunology*
  • Vaccines, DNA / immunology*
  • Vesiculovirus / immunology
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / immunology
  • Viral Vaccines / immunology*
  • West Nile virus / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • G protein, vesicular stomatitis virus
  • Gene Products, env
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Vaccines, DNA
  • Viral Envelope Proteins
  • Viral Vaccines